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Boat trip · Lausanne, Vaud
CGN – bateaux Belle Époque
Side-wheel paddle steamers built between 1904 and 1927 that sail on the Léman from Ouchy, linking Lausanne with Lavaux, Vevey, Montreux, Chillon and the French shore.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About CGN – bateaux Belle Époque
The CGN, Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman, was founded in 1873 and has had its shipyard in Ouchy since 1888. The fleet combines modern vessels and eight historic side-wheel steamers built between 1904 and 1927.
The Belle Époque steamers in the fleet are classified as historic monuments by the canton of Vaud. Four of them—the La Suisse, the Savoie, the Simplon and the Rhône—retain their original steam engines, which can be seen running from the deck.
From Ouchy there are lines to Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains in France on the other side of the lake, and boats that follow the Lavaux coast to Vevey, Montreux and the Château de Chillon, which has its own quay.
The lake route shows the terraced vineyards from an angle the train cannot reach. The boats have onboard restaurants, and tourist rail passes often include the regular boat lines.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From an hour—to reach the villages of Lavaux—to several hours to Montreux and Chillon.
Best time
In the European summer, from June to August, there are more departures and more steamers in service. In winter the schedule is reduced: check the timetable beforehand.
How to get there
Boarding in Lausanne is at the Ouchy quay, a few steps from the terminal station of metro line m2, Ouchy-Olympique.
Tip
Go by boat and return by train: Lausanne to Montreux by boat and return on the SBB makes for a full day. If you go to France, take your passport.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about CGN – bateaux Belle Époque
Do the CGN steamships operate year-round?
There are boats year-round, but in the European summer departures and the historic steamers are more frequent. Check the timetable beforehand.
Can you go by boat from Lausanne to Montreux?
Yes. Boats follow the Lavaux coast and stop at Vevey, Montreux and Château de Chillon.
Does the boat to France require documents?
Yes. Évian and Thonon are in France; bring your passport.